Fall 2015 Class Descriptions

It’s what everyone has been waiting to see…. the Fall 2015 class descriptions are finally ready! We have some great classes planned for fall. It’s going to be a great year! 🙂

*Please note: This is still a working document so some changes may be made.

Age 3 and under (Total cost for both sessions: $10)

Sression 1:

10:00-12:00 Nursery Time
Playtime in the nursery with assigned parents.

*Special Note for 2 and 3 year olds:
The 2 and 3 year olds will participate in story/craft/sensory activities from 10-11 in the room connected to the nursery. They will join the nursery for playtime and snack from 11-12. This will be a great opportunity for them to participate in some “big kid” activities while still allowing them the free playtime they enjoy!

Session 2:

10:00-12:00 Nursery Time
Playtime in the nursery with assigned parents

*Special Note for 2 and 3 year olds:
The 2 and 3 year olds will participate in story/craft/sensory activities from 10-11 in the room connected to the nursery. They will join the nursery for playtime and snack from 11-12. This will be a great opportunity for them to participate in some “big kid” activities while still allowing them the free playtime they enjoy!

4 and 5 year olds (Total cost for both sessions: $15)
*The morning routine for this age group is warm up/story/craft/snack/yoga/stations.

Session 1:

10:00-11:00 Oh say can you see? Little hands Celebrate America!
This session will introduce the idea of symbolism through examples the represent America. American symbols represent important ideas like freedom, fairness, equality and self-rule. We will read stories and do activities that use these symbols of the American heritage to study history and learn about the country we live in.

11:00-11:30 Yoga

11:30-12:00 Stations
Students get the opportunity to explore the themes of the day during the stations. We integrate many subjects into these learning centers, and the kids get the opportunity to explore and discover while visiting and cooperating with their peers.

Session 2:

10:00-11:00 Literature-Based Learning
We will read the classic children books Caps for Sale, Madeline, Katy No-Pocket, Blueberries for Sal, and Corduroy. Learning activities will be based on these stories and will introduce concepts in math, science, art, vocabulary, geography, and architecture.

11:00-11:30 Yoga

11:30-12:00 Stations
Students get the opportunity to explore the themes of the day during the stations. We integrate many subjects into these learning centers, and the kids get the opportunity to explore and discover while visiting and cooperating with their peers.

10:45-11:30 Literature – Five in a Row
Each week students will explore a book selection from the Five in a Row curriculum. Following a brief discussion, the children will complete activities that relate to the book. We will explore science, art, geography, nature, music and community during the 5 week session.

11:30-12:00 – Yoga

Session 2

10:00-10:45 Fun with the 50 states
Saddle up your ride and take a trip through the 50 states. This session will introduce each of the 50 states through a fun and easy to recite poem. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to remember all the fifty states when it is put to rhyme. In addition, we will map our way through the country learning fun geographical, historical and informative facts along the way.

10:45-11:30 Fun with Chemistry
Learn about the essential elements for chemistry using real terms and concepts, including atoms and molecules, acids and bases, and more. Fun experiments and related activities will help introduce young students to the wonderful world of science.

11:30-12:00 Yoga

8 and 9 year olds (Total cost for both sessions: $25)

Session110:00-11:00 Geology
In this introductory Earth Science class students will explore the fundamentals of geology (rocks and minerals, earths interior, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and the fossil record) through experiments, crafts, lap books, and stories.

11:00-12:00 Observational Drawing
This class will focus on training student’s brains to draw what they see instead of relying on what they know. In a world that requires a heavy use of left brain thought with our need for language, math, and symbols, our right brains don’t often get the opportunity to shine. Students’ right hemispheres will have many opportunities to practice true observation that will encourage a change in habits that usually have children relying on symbols and images from memory. A steady practice of observational drawing can be a great confidence builder!

Session 210:00-11:00 Let’s Learn about Nutrition
In this class, students will learn various ways the foods we eat can affect our bodies. We will discuss the importance of eating balanced meals, how to read nutrition labels, and why we should try to reduce our sugar intake. We will also have a couple of hands-on cooking activities during the session.

11:00-12:00 Leonardo da Vinci: Renaissance Man
Students will be introduced to one of the most fascinating people in world history. Although Leonardo da Vinci had very minimal schooling as a child, he learned more than any school could’ve provided through careful observation of the world around him. As a child, adult, and until the day he died, this great observer extensively explored the fields of engineering, painting, architecture, and anatomy, producing over 13,000 pages of sketches. In this class, students will build on their observational drawing skills from session one and discover ways to test their inquisitive nature much like da Vinci. They will learn what it means to be a Renaissance Man or Woman, and get to know the biography of an individual whose love of learning knew no limits!

10 – 12 year olds (Total cost for both sessions: $25)

Session 1

10:00- 11:00 Millionaire 101
Learn the fundamental investing techniques needed to own and manage a portfolio of businesses. We will explore real companies you can invest in and learn how to determine if the investment will be profitable. Students will have the opportunity to test and apply these skills in a real-world investment portfolio.

11:00 – 12:00 Yearbook Class
This will be a year-long project in which students will work individually and as a team to create a fun, innovative, and visually pleasing yearbook for the entire co-op. Students will learn the purpose and the concept of a unifying theme, graphic design, interviewing and reporting, writing and editing, and photography. Students will learn layout in manual mockups and digital yearbook design software.Students are invited to bring personal laptops and digital cameras. Homework may be assigned.

Session 2

10:00 – 11:00 Geology Rocks!
Students will explore the fundamentals of geology (rocks and minerals, earthquakes, volcanoes, and erosion) through notebooking, experiments, and living books.

11:00 – 12:00 Insane in the Membrane: Cells Alive!

Join us for an introduction to the smallest unit of life: the cell! We will discover the difference between living and non-living things, learn the basic parts of a cell (and their functions) and gain a microscopic appreciation of life through hands-on activities and the arts. Students will be invited to make a 3-D model of a cell to show what they have learned!

Teens (Total cost for both session: $36)

Session 1:

10:00-11:00 Intro to Cooking
Do you wish your teen would cook more often so you can sit back and relax? Then this is the class for you! Your teen will explore the basics of cooking prep along with learning about various kitchen tools. (We aren’t allowed to use the stove or oven, so it’ll be something that doesn’t need to be cooked or will be taken home to cook) Each week, your teen will bring home something edible for your family to enjoy (appetizer, dinner, dessert, etc.). The teacher will send an email each week with a list of ingredients and kitchen tools that need to be brought to class.

11:00-12:00 Modern History and Current Events
This class will combine current events and recent history with critical thinking. We will discuss what’s happening in the world, what historical facts might relate to current events, and consider where we as citizens fit into both. It will be an interactive class with discussion and a variety of resources. While we will share our own opinions, the materials will be based in facts and multiple sides of any issue discussed will be presented.

Session 2:

10:00-11:00 Resume and Interview Skills
In preparation of your teen getting a job, this class will teach the dos and don’ts of building a resume and how to properly interview. Your teen will learn about the various parts of a resume and how to craft a well-written resume that will peak the interests of a hiring manager. Your teen will learn how to come across professional and polished during an interview, and how to stand out among their peers. A recruiter that’s been in the industry for 10 years with real-life examples will come in and help twice during our session. This class will culminate in a mock-interview session on Nov. 18th where your teen will get a chance to show off all they’ve learned.

11:00-12:00 Modern History and Current Events
This class will combine current events and recent history with critical thinking. We will discuss what’s happening in the world, what historical facts might relate to current events, and consider where we as citizens fit into both. It will be an interactive class with discussion and a variety of resources. While we will share our own opinions, the materials will be based in facts and multiple sides of any issue discussed will be presented.